The Arc Westchester Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing public awareness and raising financial resources to support The Arc Westchester’s programs and services for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities, recently hosted its 22nd Annual Golfing for Kids Outing and Tennis Mixer at Knollwood CC, Elmsford, NY.

One hundred and fifty golfers and tennis players and 230 reception attendees participated in the event, which raised more than $300,000 to benefit
children with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities supported by The Arc Westchester’s Children’s School for Early Development (Children’s School). Since its inception, Golfing for Kids has raised more than $3 million for the Children’s School.

This year’s event honored Polly and Ric Peace and the Country Children’s Center (CCC) with the Community Partner Award for their longstanding partnership with the Children’s School and shared commitment to supporting children with developmental disabilities, and their families. The CCC, founded in 1967, is an independent, 501(c)(3) licensed day care center, providing affordable childcare to all families through a substantial scholarship program. Executive
Director, Polly Peace, strongly believes in offering every child the opportunity to experience an environment that is safe and nurturing, with an academic basis of educational fun. Her commitment to quality daycare and her desire to create innovative program sites has been a team effort alongside her husband, Ric.

The Arc Westchester’s Children’s School partnership with Ric and Polly began in 1998 when the CCC opened their first site with an inclusion curriculum for children with developmental disabilities. This innovative model has made a difference in the educational and developmental trajectory of many children. By providing a special education preschool program at a critical period of their development, the students have been able to achieve a level of learning and academic success that would not have been possible without their participation in the inclusion program. Together, the Children’s School and the CCC have bettered the lives of countless families and made a lasting impact on their children.

“The Arc Westchester is thankful for its long and successful partnership with Polly, Ric and the CCC for everything they do to support the children with developmental disabilities enrolled in the Children’s School program,” said Nancy Patota, executive director, The Arc Westchester Foundation. “And, we
are so very grateful to all of our sponsors, golfers, tennis players and reception attendees who came out today to celebrate our honorees and generously support our mission.”